Senate confirms FDA commissioner

The Senate has confirmed Scott Gottlieb as commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration.

Fifty-seven senators voted for him, and 42 voted against him, according to the Senate website.

Tom Price, secretary of health and human services, issued a statement congratulating Gottlieb on his new role.

“We are excited to partner with Dr. Gottlieb to protect and promote the health of the American people,” Price said in the release. “Dr. Gottlieb brings considerable experience to the FDA. His background will be crucial for keeping the FDA as the gold standard for safe treatments while advancing new, innovative solutions to the many public health challenges our nation faces.